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Rosa Rugosa

So named Friendly because he’ll alight on your arm or head, attracted to the minerals in perspiration. This Red Admiral was found warming its wings in the early morning sun at Niles Pond. Butterflies wings do not work very well in cool, rainy temperatures. I hope the upcoming heat wave brings a batch of butterflies!

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The first day of spring! It’s official although, with temperatures hovering in the twenties, its hard to believe. Close your eyes and imagine along with me pink and orange tulips, spring dresses, (stick with me here–just don’t look out your window at the still high drifts of snow) fields of bluets, sailboats in the harbor, windows open, the music of buzzing bees, shoots of new green grass, blue skies, robin bird songs, the smell of freshly tilled earth, fog horns in the distance, baby birds, misty warm April showers, the sweet scent of jonquils, bird’s nests along the meadow’s edge, the song of the Baltimore orioles returning, walking along the beach (without bundling up), friendly Red Admiral butterflies, lilacs, plum blossoms, magnolias in bloom, dogwoods in bloom, orange poppies, sweet pea tendrils, and sweet alyssum (see there, its not that hard).

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In preparation for the upcoming season of programs that I give, which are centered around designing gardens to support pollinators, one of my jobs is to refresh and update the photos that are an integral part of the presentation. This past month I have been immersed in colorful images and tomorrow I am giving my new monarch butterfly presentation at (the other) Cape. Here are some of the outtakes from my pollinator habitat programs for our winter weary eyes.

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Everywhere I traveled today, it was hard not to notice Rosa rugosa dazzling in bloom, not only becasue it is so pretty, but because of its welcome fragrance. That sublime combination of salty sea air and sweet roses beckons us to live everyday of our fleeting New England summer to the fullest.

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In preparation for my adventure to Mexico to film the Monarchs, nearly every afternoon I have been “hiking” around Eastern Point. According to my car odometer, from the Niles Beach parking lot to the lighthouse and back is just a little over two miles. I realize that I must look fairly comical with headphones, hiking boots, and loaded down with a full backpack, all while trying to dodge the black ice. The walk is always beautiful–the freezing temperatures and icy roads not so much!

Raymond’s Beach Sunset

Raymond’s Beach Cherry Tree

Rosa rugosa

Eastern Point Lighthouse

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Here is a resurrection of one of my favorite posts from the early days of the blog for the new folks (I post this once a year because I dig it so much and there are so many that join the ranks of GMG followers each year I’think this one is worth reposting for them-

I grew up one street from the Back Shore.

Although my mother might disagree, I’d say I was a bratty teen who didn’t appreciate the natural beauty that was steps from my doorfront. Part of that beauty was driving every single day along the Back Shore to get wherever we were going. If we left the house it was inevitable that we would be driving along the beautiful coastline that is the Back Shore.

It wasn’t until I went to college that I began to understand how blessed I was and how beautiful a place Gloucester is. Sure it is flawed in many ways but there is no place I’d rather be in the late spring, summer and early fall. Looking back it seems so crazy that I could have taken it all for granted but once you move away for a little stint and come home then you understand how lucky you were to call Gloucester your home.

“There is nothing more beautiful than the perfection of a rose in mid-summer. The glorious fragrance wafting up from perfectly formed petals make it clear why this is the flower of choice for many people. Unfortunately, to obtain the perfect rose one must often have the perfect soil, a perfect watering regimen, and a lot of time. To those of you who don’t fall into this category, I offer you Rosa rugosa.

It may sprawl a little more than the hybrid teas that we see nowadays, and the flower petals tend to flop this way and that. All in all, it often has a kind of shaggy, unkempt air about it but that’s what gives this plant its character. Named for the wrinkled (rugose) surface of its glossy green leaves, this rose is a charmer that can soften and naturalize any area.

It’s a carefree rose, picky only about drainage. It will grow in salty conditions, shade, full sun, and poor soil, so long as it’s well-drained. Along the East Coast it even grows right in the sandy beaches!

There’s other reasons to grow this beauty besides the low maintenance. Large blooms cover this plant in early summer, giving way to sporadic blossoms up to the first frost. And Oh! The fragrance is sweet and pleasant, carrying for yards at a time. The blooms later give way to lucious brick-red rose hips so large that they look like cherry tomatoes. And if that weren’t enough, sometimes the yellow to orange to red fall color can be excellent!

If you have the space, this is the rose for you. There are many select cultivars available that will heighten the plant’s natural beauty. Choose one and you will never regret it.”

Can there be any debate about how poetic it is that we have Rosa Rugosa all along our shorelines and around town? This beautiful plant gives us so much beauty and fragrance amid the worst possible conditions. It thrives despite the cold winters, hot summers and even grows in the sand.

This line from the Hort.net’s profile really drives it home-

“All in all, it often has a kind of shaggy, unkempt air about it but that’s what gives this plant its character. “

Isn’t that just perfectly fitting for Gloucester?

Click the Image Below For A project I did back in ‘08 chronicling the Rosa Rugosa Life Cycle throughout the year in a slideshow

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Here is a resurrection of one of my favorite posts from the early days of the blog for the new folks-

I grew up one street from the Back Shore.

Although my mother might disagree, I’d say I was a bratty teen who didn’t appreciate the natural beauty that was steps from my doorfront. Part of that beauty was driving every single day along the Back Shore to get wherever we were going. If we left the house it was inevitable that we would be driving along the beautiful coastline that is the Back Shore.

It wasn’t until I went to college that I began to understand how blessed I was and how beautiful a place Gloucester is. Sure it is flawed in many ways but there is no place I’d rather be in the late spring, summer and early fall. Looking back it seems so crazy that I could have taken it all for granted but once you move away for a little stint and come home then you understand how lucky you were to call Gloucester your home.

"There is nothing more beautiful than the perfection of a rose in mid-summer. The glorious fragrance wafting up from perfectly formed petals make it clear why this is the flower of choice for many people. Unfortunately, to obtain the perfect rose one must often have the perfect soil, a perfect watering regimen, and a lot of time. To those of you who don’t fall into this category, I offer you Rosa rugosa.

It may sprawl a little more than the hybrid teas that we see nowadays, and the flower petals tend to flop this way and that. All in all, it often has a kind of shaggy, unkempt air about it but that’s what gives this plant its character. Named for the wrinkled (rugose) surface of its glossy green leaves, this rose is a charmer that can soften and naturalize any area.

It’s a carefree rose, picky only about drainage. It will grow in salty conditions, shade, full sun, and poor soil, so long as it’s well-drained. Along the East Coast it even grows right in the sandy beaches!

There’s other reasons to grow this beauty besides the low maintenance. Large blooms cover this plant in early summer, giving way to sporadic blossoms up to the first frost. And Oh! The fragrance is sweet and pleasant, carrying for yards at a time. The blooms later give way to lucious brick-red rose hips so large that they look like cherry tomatoes. And if that weren’t enough, sometimes the yellow to orange to red fall color can be excellent!

If you have the space, this is the rose for you. There are many select cultivars available that will heighten the plant’s natural beauty. Choose one and you will never regret it."

Can there be any debate about how poetic it is that we have Rosa Rugosa all along our shorelines and around town? This beautiful plant gives us so much beauty and fragrance amid the worst possible conditions. It thrives despite the cold winters, hot summers and even grows in the sand.

This line from the Hort.net’s profile really drives it home-

"All in all, it often has a kind of shaggy, unkempt air about it but that’s what gives this plant its character. "

Isn’t that just perfectly fitting for Gloucester?

Click the Image Below For A project I did back in ‘08 chronicling the Rosa Rugosa Life Cycle throughout the year

Being friends of Jim and Marilyn Curcuru for many years, we are writing to ask our community for its help.

Many of you may or may not know Jim and Marilyn, so let me tell you about them. Marilyn was stricken with multiple sclerosis more than 25 years ago. She was employed by the now Shaw’s Supermarket.

Even though Marilyn is in a wheelchair and has been for many years, she was still sitting in at Shaw’s Railroad Avenue once in awhile. She is the person you see smiling and giving out samples.

Jim had his own business, Jim’s Frame Design, and while he continued to maintain his business, he would have to leave whenever Marilyn needed help at home since she was confined to a wheelchair. No one expects such horrible circumstances, but people deal with their problems.

Then, about five years ago, Jim had a major heart attack and almost died. Working miracles, his Boston doctors were able to save him. About two weeks ago, he had more problems and was forced to close his business.

Jim now has a small part-time job and they continue to struggle, but they continue to deal with what comes their way. Life has not been easy.

Recently, they had some problems with their old wheelchair-accessible van and Jim came up with the money to fix it, only to find out that, within weeks of the work being done, the floor of the van had rotted out. No one who had repaired the van had realized that the floor was falling through.

The floor of the van cannot be repaired. They now have no vehicle, and Marilyn is not only confined to her wheelchair, but to her house, too. Local wheelchair vans are only available for doctors and or medical appointments.

How do they keep going? Being the people that they are, they won’t ask for help, but they need it — desperately. Everyone is in tough times and many are out of work. We are hoping that with donations, they will be able to acquire a used wheelchair-accessible van, even though they are very expensive. With the help of the community, we’re hoping this can be achieved.

There are many businesses and organizations here in Gloucester that help people. We are hoping that some of them will come forward and help with donations as well. If there is anyone out there who can help with even a small donation (even a dollar) or knows someone who can help with a wheelchair accessible van that could be donated, they would be helped immensely.

If anyone would like to help, please send any checks made out to Jim and Marilyn Curcuru Van Fund. Any checks should be sent c/o Rockport National Bank, 4 Parker St., Gloucester, MA, 01930.

If you only have a dollar to spare, please feel free to drop any donation off in the afternoons at STUFF, 161 Main St., where there is a cash donation set up. If you have any questions or know of a van that might be available for them, please feel free to call Louise or Joe Palazzola at 978-281-1048, or Anthony and Eleanor Curcuru at 978-281-0874. We want to thank Rockport National Bank for setting up this account for them. Any and all questions will be appreciated.

Sista Felicia thought it would be a good way to raise money by making the Rosa Rugosa Jelly (which is delicious BTW)- the same one she canned for the Topsfield Fair, and sell it to raise money for the Jim and Marilyn Curcuru Van Fund.

So here’s the deal-

You can get a jar of Sista Felicia’s Rosa Rugosa Jelly made with extra love with the help of The Bean, Snoop Maddie Mad, BJ and Amandacakes for $10 per jar. 100% of the money raised will go to the Jim and Marilyn Curcuru Van Fund. If her Rosa Rugosa Jelly wins a Blue Ribbon at Topsfield Fair the price goes up to $12 per jar, so if you let me know you want me to save you a jar before next week when the judging at the Fair is announced you can lock in at the bargain price of $10. 🙂

This is so much better than a raffle or just a straight up donation because when you think of it you definitely walk away with something! Look for Sista Felicia’s Rosa Rugosa Jelly making video Wednesday on The Gloucester Daily Times website.

Leave a comment below and let me know if you would like a jar (or three). You can pick up the jelly at Stuff 161 Main Street Gloucester MA beginning Thursday morning.

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Felicia made her rosa rugosa rose petal and rose hip jelly for entry in Topsfield Fair. With a phone call explaining how timely the segment would be with the rose hips being ripe and the Fair coming up to buddy Joe Langhan, a couple days later they were shooting the piece. Look for it soon on the Gloucester Daily Times website

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Rosa Rugosa Rose Petal Jelly

After capturing the life cycle of the rosa rugosa and documenting it throughout the year in the early stages of GMG I thought it would be cool to film a segment of how the Rosa Rugosa Rose Hips are made into rose hip jelly. Having neither the time this time of year to tape her or the cooking skills on any level to do it myself who else would I turn to but my sister Felicia?

What I didn’t know is that people not only made jelly from the rose hips (the round fruit that is left after the petals drop), but also the rosa rugosa petals. She made both for entry into the Topsfield Fair. When you enter a canning product you have to include a recipe sheet and the instructions are very specific for what they want and how you put them into certain classes. We added a 25 picture collage of the Rosa Rugosa Life Cycle on the recipe sheet to give our entry a little extra punch.

Felicia is going to tape a segment on how to make it with Gianni Gallo and Joe Langhan for The Gloucester Times Recipe On Demand. So look for that soon.

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IMO there in no more beautiful plant/tree/shrub. It thrives in horrible condition, provides sweet fragrance and flowers all summer long. Where can you find it? All along our coast

Sept 1,2010-

Here is a resurrection of one of my favorite posts from the early days of the blog-

I grew up one street from the Back Shore.

Although my mother might disagree, I’d say I was a bratty teen who didn’t appreciate the natural beauty that was steps from my doorfront. Part of that beauty was driving every single day along the Back Shore to get wherever we were going. If we left the house it was inevitable that we would be driving along the beautiful coastline that is the Back Shore.

It wasn’t until I went to college that I began to understand how blessed I was and how beautiful a place Gloucester is. Sure it is flawed in many ways but there is no place I’d rather be in the late spring, summer and early fall. Looking back it seems so crazy that I could have taken it all for granted but once you move away for a little stint and come home then you understand how lucky you were to call Gloucester your home.

"There is nothing more beautiful than the perfection of a rose in mid-summer. The glorious fragrance wafting up from perfectly formed petals make it clear why this is the flower of choice for many people. Unfortunately, to obtain the perfect rose one must often have the perfect soil, a perfect watering regimen, and a lot of time. To those of you who don’t fall into this category, I offer you Rosa rugosa.

It may sprawl a little more than the hybrid teas that we see nowadays, and the flower petals tend to flop this way and that. All in all, it often has a kind of shaggy, unkempt air about it but that’s what gives this plant its character. Named for the wrinkled (rugose) surface of its glossy green leaves, this rose is a charmer that can soften and naturalize any area.

It’s a carefree rose, picky only about drainage. It will grow in salty conditions, shade, full sun, and poor soil, so long as it’s well-drained. Along the East Coast it even grows right in the sandy beaches!

There’s other reasons to grow this beauty besides the low maintenance. Large blooms cover this plant in early summer, giving way to sporadic blossoms up to the first frost. And Oh! The fragrance is sweet and pleasant, carrying for yards at a time. The blooms later give way to lucious brick-red rose hips so large that they look like cherry tomatoes. And if that weren’t enough, sometimes the yellow to orange to red fall color can be excellent!

If you have the space, this is the rose for you. There are many select cultivars available that will heighten the plant’s natural beauty. Choose one and you will never regret it."

Can there be any debate about how poetic it is that we have Rosa Rugosa all along our shorelines and around town? This beautiful plant gives us so much beauty and fragrance amid the worst possible conditions. It thrives despite the cold winters, hot summers and even grows in the sand.

This line from the Hort.net’s profile really drives it home-

"All in all, it often has a kind of shaggy, unkempt air about it but that’s what gives this plant its character. "

Isn’t that just perfectly fitting for Gloucester?

Click the Image Below For A project I did back in ‘08 chronicling the Rosa Rugosa Life Cycle throughout the year

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Free GMG Gloucester Sticker

As long as supplies last if any GMG folks want a bumper sticker but can't drop down the dock, just send a self addressed and stamped envelope longer then 7 and a half inches and I'll drop one in the mail for you.

Send the self addressed and stamped envelope to the dock at 95 East Main St Gloucester Ma 01930 care of Joey (put my name in big letters to make sure it gets to me)

Free GMG Gloucester Sticker

As long as supplies last if any GMG folks want a bumper sticker but can't drop down the dock, just send a self addressed and stamped envelope longer then 7 and a half inches and I'll drop one in the mail for you.

Send the self addressed and stamped envelope to the dock at 95 East Main St Gloucester Ma 01930 care of Joey (put my name in big letters to make sure it gets to me)